Many student affairs professionals were guided into the profession through their undergraduate involvement or mentors suggesting the field. Recently, student affairs courses for undergraduate students have become more prevalent. What are the various structures for these courses? What are the benefits and challenges for students and instructors? What are the outcomes?

On this episode of Student Affairs Live, guest host Keith Edwards speaks with Eric Archer, Amy Dinise-Halter, Susan Iverson, Brenda McKenzie, Darren Pierre, Erich Pitcher about courses on student affairs for undergraduate students. Panelists will discuss their experiences, different structures for these courses, student outcomes, and research on these courses.

This free episode will air live on Wednesday, July 25 at 1 p.m. ET. To watch the archived video, just return to this page at any point after the episode airs.

If you have questions for our panelists, in advance of the episode please email keith@higheredlive.com or tweet @KeithEPhD with your question and Keith will incorporate it into the dialogue. We will also take questions during the episode via the Twitter backchannel at #higheredlive.

Episode Host

Keith Edwards

Over the past 18 years Keith (he/him/his) has spoken and consulted at more than 200 colleges and universities, presented more than 200 programs at national conferences, and written more than 20 articles or book chapters on curricular approaches, sexual violence prevention, men’s identity, social justice education, and leadership. His research, writing, and speaking have received national awards and recognition including ACPA Dissertation of the Year and ACPA Diamond Honoree. His TEDx Talk on Ending Rape has been viewed around the world. Keith is also a certified executive and leadership coach for individuals who are looking to unleash their fullest potential.
Keith was the Director of Campus Life at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN from 2007 – 2015 where he provided leadership for the areas of residential life, student activities, conduct, and orientation. He was an affiliate faculty member in the Leadership in Student Affairs program at the University of St. Thomas, where he taught graduate courses on diversity and social justice in higher education for 8 years.

Guests

Eric Archer

D. Eric Archer, PhD is an assistant professor of educational leadership in higher education in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology at Western Michigan University. He earned his Ph.D. in education leadership and policy studies at Oklahoma State University. His research interests include issues of diversity and inclusion in postsecondary education broadly with a focus on the impact of college on the development of various marginalized and/or underrepresented student groups in higher education (international students, college student athletes, students with disabilities, etc.). He has also designed and supported the implementation of various undergraduate courses in leadership and higher education/student affairs at both Northern Illinois University and Western Michigan University.

Amy Dinise-Halter

Dr. Amy Dinise-Halter is an Assistant Professor in the Student Affairs and Higher Education program and serves as the Student Success Manager at Colorado State University. In this dual appointment, Amy serves as a thought leader for Student Success Initiatives and teaches the Student Affairs and Higher Education MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), Capstone in Student Affairs and Higher Education, and Program Evaluation. Her research agenda focuses on student affairs new professional identity development, academic guidance, high impact practices, and persistence and graduation gaps. Amy earned her Ph.D. from the University of Northern Colorado; her master’s degree from Indiana University; and her undergraduate degree from Cal State Fullerton. When Amy’s not on campus, you will find her hanging out with her partner and two boys. @adhalter

Susan Iverson

Susan V. Iverson is Professor of Higher Education Leadership & Director of the doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville College. Dr. Iverson has held several faculty and administrative positions at various colleges and universities, including as tenured faculty at Kent State University for 10 years where she was also an affiliated faculty member with both the Women’s Studies and LGBT Studies Programs. Iverson earned her doctorate in higher educational leadership, with a concentration in women’s studies, from the University of Maine, where she also worked as Associate Director of Safe Campus Project, a federally grant-funded initiative to address interpersonal violence on campus. Prior to becoming faculty, Iverson worked in student affairs administration for more than ten years in Massachusetts and Virginia. Iverson’s research interests include: equity and diversity, status of women in higher education, feminist pedagogy, and the role of policy (e.g., sexual violence) in shaping perceptions and culture. @susaniverson1

Brenda McKenzie

Brenda McKenzie is a Senior Lecturer in the Higher Education Administration program at Vanderbilt University, where she teaches courses including student development theory and the practice of student affairs. She received her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. Her research interests focus on college student leadership development, specifically women and leadership, and the development of HESA graduate students. Additionally, she has taught and conducted research on an undergraduate careers in higher education course. Her 23 years of professional higher education experience spans leadership development, student activities, orientation, and residence life. @brendamac13

Darren Pierre

Dr. Darren Pierre is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Pierre’s teaching is focused on college student development, student affairs profession, assessment/evaluation, and leadership within higher education. He carries years of experience as a university administrator, a leader within the field of higher education, and a contributor to many entity groups affiliated with student affairs.

Dr. Pierre has authored journal articles, and in 2015, authored the book, The Invitation to Love: Recognizing the Gift Despite Pain, Fear, and Resistance. He has spoken nationally on the ideals of leadership, integrity, and authenticity.

Erich Pitcher

Dr. Erich N. Pitcher serves as the Program Lead in Adult and Higher Education in the College of Education at Oregon State University. Erich earned their PhD in from Michigan State University, a master’s in education from University of Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s from Antioch College. Erich’s scholarship uses organizational perspectives to understand issues of justice and equity within higher education. Well-versed in LGBTQ+ issues and processes of racialization, Erich uses critical perspectives to advance social justice within higher education. As unabashed anti-racist queer and trans person, Erich’s professional work and scholarly publications focus on surviving systems of oppression, while seeking wholeness through community. Erich has a passion for working with students and theorizing everything, perhaps to a fault. They are pet parent, a partner, a cook, and avid gardener.